puṁsām

 The Sanskrit word "puṁsām" generally translates as 

"of a person" or "of the people," referring to the possessive 

form related to human beings.

The Sanskrit word "puṁsām" is written in 

Devanagari script as पुंसाम

Meaning and Usage

"Puṁsām" is a possessive (genitive) form derived from the noun 

"puruṣa," which means "person" or "man." It is commonly used in 

classical Sanskrit texts to indicate something belonging to or 

associated with a person or persons 

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Examples in Context

In the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.1.6, "puṁsām" is used in the sense 

of “of a person” when describing the highest perfection of human 

life and devotion at the end of life 

In Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.3.17, it appears as “of the people”: “both 

by rising and by setting, the sun decreases the duration of life of 

everyone (puṁsām), except one who engages in devotional service” 

Sanskrit compound usages include: nu puṁsām (“after the Supreme 

Person”) and sva-puṁsām (“of His own men” or “of the devotees”) 

in devotional texts 

Key Points

• Grammatical role: Genitive case (possessive), indicating ownership 
• or relation to humans.
• Common domains: Classical and Vedic Sanskrit, particularly in 
• devotional or philosophical literature.
• Nuance: Depending on context, it can signify individual humans, 
• humanity collectively, or a general reference to people.

In summary, "puṁsām" conveys possession or relation to humans, 

most often translated as “of a person” or “of the people”, and appears

in Sanskrit scriptures in both philosophical and devotional contexts 

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